Mooltan (3)

The Mooltan (3) was a significant passenger liner built for P&O's London-Sydney mail and passenger service. Launched in 1923, she and her sister ship Maloja (2) were notable as P&O's first vessels to feature what became known as the true ocean-liner "look" with refined twin-funnels.

Construction and Design

Built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Belfast, Mooltan (3) was launched on February 15, 1923, and completed in September of the same year. She featured the distinctive P&O livery of a black hull with stone-colored superstructure, black funnels, and red boot-topping.

Pre-War Service

Mooltan (3) commenced her maiden voyage from Tilbury Docks to Sydney on December 21, 1923. Her regular route included calls at Marseilles, Port Said, Aden, Colombo, Fremantle, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Following the introduction of the Viceroy of India, her route was modified to serve Colombo rather than Bombay.

Wartime Service

During World War II, Mooltan (3) was converted to an armed merchant cruiser, operating out of Freetown and across the South Atlantic. She survived the hostilities, including participation in the North African landings.

Post-War Service

After the war, Mooltan (3) returned to P&O and was converted back to civilian service. She was subsequently modified to single-class configuration for the government-sponsored British Migrant service. The vessel continued in this role until the introduction of the Arcadia (2) in 1954.

Final Years

Following the arrival of the Arcadia (2), Mooltan (3) was sold to Scottish ship-breakers in 1954, concluding over three decades of service.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Gross Tonnage	Initially 20,847, later 21,039
Length	625 ft (190.5m)
Beam	73 ft (22.2m)
Draught	32 ft (9.7m)
Propulsion	H&W quadruple-expansion engines (16,000 IHP)
Screws	Twin
Speed	Initially 16 knots, later 17.5 knots
Passenger Capacity	Initially 327 first and 329 second class; later 1,030 tourist class
Crew	420
Passenger Decks	Five